Endicott boy joins “School of Rock” tour

ENDICOTT (WBNG) — Endicott musician Eamonn Hubert first picked up one of his dad’s guitars at the age of three. The 10-year-old is now about to tour the country with the “School of Rock” musical.

“I heard about the School of Rock musical,” Eamonn Hubert said. “I heard about dancing, acting and music. So I said ‘Yes please!’ I auditioned three times and got in the third round. It’s been quite a ride for me. I don’t think I could’ve seen a better production anywhere.”

Eamonn is a “swing” for the show, meaning he will learn three roles and be able to fill in when a regular cast member is sick or on vacation. That forces him to be ready at all times.

“They have to make sure they are there just in case,” Jimae Hubert, Eamonn’s mother, said. “It has happened where somebody is sick during intermission and they have to quickly suit up. They really have to know everything.”

Eamonn’s first show is this weekend in Boston. He has been touring with the production over the past month to practice his positions.

“When an opportunity like this comes along, you have to jump at it and just sort of ride it out and have him live that experience,” Doug Hubert, Eamonn’s father, said.

“To see him on stage as an audience member is really neat,” Doug said. “I hope I get to do more than that specially with his music career as the road kind goes on. As he gets older, I’m sure he is going to want to do more of his own things.”

Part of the touring experience is having to do school on the road. Most days, that include travel and five hours of online lessons before getting ready for the show. The travel does have built in lessons.

“It’s been cool to see the history of these places,” Eamonn said. “Seeing the monuments there in D.C. was probably the most incredible. We saw the Washington Monument, the White House, a lot of amazing things that you wouldn’t see if you didn’t go there yourself.”

Eamonn is one of the best guitarists for his age to take lessons at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, director Patrick Foti said.

“As far as instruments go,” Foti said. “He’s a great guitarist and he plays many instruments. He’s pitch perfect. He’s got great stage presence. Those are the things they look for on Broadway and national tours.”